Dioctyl Maleate, often called DOM, presents itself as a specialty chemical known for both its flexibility and function across a number of industries. People who work with plasticizers, adhesives, sealants, and coatings encounter this clear, oily liquid on a regular basis. DOM comes from maleic anhydride and 2-ethylhexanol, with the chemical formula C20H36O4 and a molecular weight hovering near 340.5 g/mol. The material appears slightly viscous with a faint odor that many who work in processing environments quickly recognize. In the world of chemical synthesis, DOM fills a spot as a versatile intermediate and delivers performance advantages in both polymer and emulsion manufacturing. For anyone looking to understand its place in supply chains, the HS Code is 2917.19, which identifies it as a maleic acid derivative for global trade and customs tracking.
Dioctyl Maleate primarily shows up as a transparent liquid at room temperature. Pour it out and you notice a mild slipperiness that spatters easily due to its low viscosity. Its density clocks in at about 0.94 g/cm³ at 20°C, which means it weighs a little less than water. If you work around solvents or organic liquids, it feels familiar to handle, but it demands a careful touch because of its chemical nature. DOM doesn’t exist in flakes, solids, powders, pearls, or crystals under regular conditions—its formula locks it into a liquid state unless someone exposes it to temperatures well below its freezing point. When dissolved in compatible media, the solution keeps its clarity, which suits industrial handling and formulation needs. The boiling point sits around 163°C at 13 mm Hg, reflecting decent thermal stability as long as heating rates stay modest. No sharp smell lingers after handling, and the material’s lack of significant vapor pressure at room temperature helps contain off-gassing in most facilities.
Look at the molecular structure of Dioctyl Maleate and you see an ester built from two long octyl chains bonded to a maleate core. This dual-branched architecture explains its solubility in organic solvents and resistance to water. DOM’s reactivity centers on the double bond present in the maleic acid group, which lets chemists take it in different directions—copolymerization, plasticizer synthesis, or as a co-monomer in emulsions. The material resists hydrolysis under neutral conditions, but acids or bases can cleave those ester bonds with enough exposure. In chemical storage, DOM calls for containers that offer tight seals and no metal catalysts, so degradation stays at bay.
Safe handling matters. Even though Dioctyl Maleate skirts the hardcore toxic category, it doesn’t mean a casual approach. Liquid DOM can cause mild irritation if you get it on your skin or in your eyes. Breathing in high concentrations of vapor, especially near processing points or accidental releases, carries risks for the respiratory tract. The material doesn’t ignite easily under normal warehouse conditions, yet a high-temperature spill can still put off irritating fumes. Workers need chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection during transfers and mixing. Spills should get cleaned with absorbent material meant for organic liquids, and any waste finds its way into chemical waste containers. Local authorities label DOM as hazardous for water environments since it can cause problems for aquatic life. Facilities using by-the-liter volumes usually keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in clear sight, making sure emergency procedures are second nature. Safety training never takes a back seat when working with raw materials like DOM, especially when batch sizes climb or system pressures rise.
Dioctyl Maleate finds steady work as a raw material in the world of flexible resins, plastisols, and coatings. Industries pick DOM for the soft touch it brings to polymers, letting finished products stay malleable rather than hard and brittle. In copolymerization, DOM acts as a bridge, tying together other chemicals that wouldn’t otherwise stay stable or mix well. Paint and adhesive producers prefer its smooth blend quality and chemical backbone, which stays put across cycles of drying and heating. Even textile manufacturers see value, particularly for coatings that need both softness and longevity. The properties that come with its molecular structure—namely, the long alkyl chains—give products a stretch and resilience that alternatives can’t match. By weighing those advantages against regulatory guidelines and potential hazards, producers make decisions around substitutions, recycling, or reformulation if worksite safety or environmental targets demand it.
Commercial grades of Dioctyl Maleate ship in drums, tank trucks, or intermediate bulk containers, all measured by the kilogram or liter. Most suppliers specify a minimum purity, frequently exceeding 99%, to make sure downstream chemical reactions remain predictable. Water content should stay as low as possible—trace amounts near or below 0.1% by weight keep hydrolysis risks in check. Buyers examine the acid value, color index, and ester content, especially for use in high-specification applications like adhesives for electronics or automotive parts. Regulations for shipping and storage highlight the importance of keeping DOM away from oxidizers or incompatible acids, avoiding accidental mixing that can lead to hazardous byproducts. While large-scale operations install closed systems to limit vapor release, smaller users can manage risk through ventilation and basic containment tools. Even though global supply chains deal with periodic tightness—driven by fluctuations in demand from the plastics and coatings sectors—the demand for DOM rarely drops, reflecting deep roots in modern manufacturing.
With experience in chemical manufacturing, seeing Dioctyl Maleate featured on a bill of materials is a signal that product designers need flexibility and proven performance. It reminds us that, no matter the scale, all raw materials bring their own quirks, risks, and rewards. By closely tracking specifications, material handling protocols, and environmental impact, the strengths of DOM continue to outweigh the challenges. For new entrants in the market, deeper knowledge of the molecular and practical features of DOM pays off through better process design, safer workspaces, and products that meet shifting regulatory demands. Gaps in compliance or training can undo years of progress, as one lapse in safe handling anywhere in the value chain risks employee health, environmental penalties, or lost production. Solutions start with training, regular hazard reviews, and open lines of communication between buyers, handlers, and regulators—from chemical engineers in the lab to logistics teams delivering the finished material.
